As close to 100 world leaders assembled in Soweto, South Africa, to honor this icon of freedom after his death, it became clear that at no time in the last 100 years had anyone had such an impact on everyone in this world as the man they call Madiba.

Former President Bill Clinton embraces former South African President Nelson Mandela… more

Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images for the Clinton Foundation

From my own time in South Africa, I can testify to the profound impact that his leadership had on this emerging democracy.

Mandela’s legacy is apparent in so many places in South Africa.

It can be witnessed at his humble home in rural Qunu, his home in Soweto, and at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, where the displays chronicle the struggle for freedom,

His impact was most felt by all of the people of South Africa, both black and white, because of his love and forgiveness for those who imprisoned him for 27 years.

Because of Mandela’s forgiveness, humility and courage, there were no civil wars in South Africa, there is healing occurring between the races, and a strong foundation was laid for a nation that can heal and thrive.

Lessons on leadership are extensive

Mandela’s lessons about leadership are many.

From my perspective, having lived and worked in South Africa, and from appreciating the people and culture, some of the most critical lessons include the following:

Commitment to one purpose

Mandela’s singular purpose, for which he was willing to give his life and lose his family, was attaining the freedom of his people.

In our work lives, how often do we become distracted by too many goals, losing sight of that one big purpose we are trying to accomplish?

Self-awareness and self-knowledge

How does anyone come through the decades of brutality that Mandela did and not leave bitter and hateful?

As he said, and I paraphrase, “They can take my body, but they can’t have my mind or soul.”

If we know who we are, what matters in our lives, are reflective, understand what makes us tick, and can keep from reacting to crises or events that can overtake us, we have a chance to stay true to our own course.

Love and forgiveness

Mandela’s love of his people and forgiveness of his captors is a testimony to his belief system and the strength of his character.

In our own workplaces, Mandela’s example can help us rise above the pettiness of office politics and raise the bar for our leadership cultures to the level of transformation.

Humility

I am not aware of anyone who was more gracious and accepting than Nelson Mandela.

No matter a person’s station in life — whether you were a coal miner or a president — he treated you with the same kindness and interest.

He did not seek power. For instance, he gave up the presidency of his country after one term.

With an attitude of humility there is openness to new ideas as well as to different points of view.

That kind of mindset creates a culture of acceptance that can transform our organizations.

Mandela has given us all a lot to appreciate and reflect on.

He was a leader’s leader, a leader for the ages.

And as a result of the example he set, we are all better leaders because he walked among us.

Dr. Edward Marshall is a strategic change consultant, and is author of the best-seller “Building Trust at the Speed of Change.” He can be reached at dr.edwardmarshall@gmail.com or (919) 265-9616.